Due to the military operations in Ukraine, the European Union (EU) imposed 10 packages of sanctions against Moscow. In the framework of the upcoming 11th package, the EU plans to tighten existing restrictions and monitor their circumvention more strictly. Armenia and Kazakhstan have pledged to somewhat curb trade in military equipment and luxury goods with Russia to avoid EU retaliation.

POLITICO spoke with Armenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mnatsakan Safaryan on this topic.

POLITICO notes that being a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, which implies the free movement of goods between the union countries, it becomes technically difficult for Armenia to restrict the flow of potentially sensitive goods.

Mnatsakan Safaryan told POLITICO that while the Eurasian Economic Union mandates the free movement of goods, “We cannot fall under sanctions ourselves by getting involved in shadowy activities and circumvention, bypassing sanctions.”

“We are very much concerned that such developments, getting under sanctions as a country or our companies getting under sanctions, will affect our economy and make it unbearable for Armenia economy-wise and security-wise,” the Armenian deputy FM said.

Armenia has now publicly committed to working with the EU and the US to block trade in “risky items.”

A list drawn up last month by Yerevan applies strict control measures to goods that could be ultimately used by the Russian arms industry.

POLITICO adds that, "As one of the only emerging democracies in the region, with a government that has overseen significant progress on civil liberties and press freedom, Yerevan is distancing itself from its traditional ally Russia and pushing for closer ties with the West."

“Our policy has been based on our dialogue with the EU and the U.S.,” Armenian deputy FM Mnatsakan Safaryan said, “but we also work with Russia to help navigate these issues as our economies are very much connected.”